Growing Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum : Polygonaceae / the dock family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P                

(Best months for growing Rhubarb in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant crowns
  • Easy to grow. Plant pieces of rhizome or roots 8 - 10 cm (3 - 4 in.) deep. Best planted at soil temperatures between 41°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 35 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 1 years. You will have a stronger plant if you leave it for about a year before using..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, etc)

Your comments and tips

28 Dec 14, Andrew Martin (Australia - temperate climate)
We have several rhubarb plants growing large stems that are not turning red. Is this normal as the plants have only been in for several months, (since June)? We live in the hills east of Perth WA.
03 Jan 15, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Andrew, Some varieties of rhubarb go redder than others - some stay quite green. However, we've found more mature and cooler weather tends to redden those prone to be being red. So best wait and see, giving them a seasonal top up with good compost to keep them well fed.
18 Dec 14, Ann (Australia - temperate climate)
I have 'Sydney red' variety rhubarb, 18mths old, lots of good compost, sugarcane mulch etc, full sun. My rhubarb was red last season but this season only about 15cm is red, lots of huge green leaves! What am I doing wrong?
18 Dec 14, Gerald Earles (Australia - temperate climate)
nI have 2 rhubarb plants which grew well for several months but lately the older leaves are wilting turning brown/yellow and falling off as they rot. have 50% white shade cloth covering them. any ideas to get them healthy ?
21 Nov 14, christine (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
why is my rhubarb still green, not red what does it need?
15 Nov 14, Garry Neilson (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I have 2 new Rhubarb plants in the same bed Both growing very well until now 1 has a problem the leaves and stems are turning a Purple / Red colour .Can you put any light on it for me . Regards Garry
18 Oct 14, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I bought Rhubarb plants from Bunnings about 3 months ago, very small and delicate, and they just don't progress. Each time it is windy, or we have a warm day, they seem to wilt and die off. They are in red soil, with horse manure mixed in, and the ph is about 8-9 I think(it's difficult to tell the colour of my PH test kit), sun from 7am till 2pm, and mulched with sugar cane mulch. So much for rhubarb being easy to grow :-( .Anyone got any suggestions?
29 Oct 14, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
I also bought a Rhubarb plant from Bunnings, but live in Sydney. The horticulturist there advised me to plant in a big pot about 45cm plus. I mixed coir, mushroom compost, sheep manure and soil and some complete manure, before transplanting. Water once a week with Seasol and water in between. I don't water everyday as have mulched with sugarcane, it gives the plant time to adjust or they become water dependent. Also leave the pot in part shade until the plant grows vigorous. Haven't had any problems so far, expect to leave the rhubarb plant in your pot for at least a couple of years. I use manure pellets to top up my plants every six months, it seems to keep them healthy. Hope this helps.
25 Oct 14, Nobby (Australia - temperate climate)
We live in Toowoomba and I have 3 plants also very young. They get quite a lot of sun and it has been warm here recently,they are growing but very slowly and they did drop back a bit after planting them into a raised bed.I do water them 2-3 times a week ATM and they are doing OK. Not much help I know but just thought I would share.
14 Oct 14, Rachael (Australia - temperate climate)
I put in new rhubarb plants in autumn this year and they are growing really well. When should i harvest them and can we eat them this year? TIA
Showing 341 - 350 of 472 comments

Do you know where nz can you buy terracotta rhubarb forcers Thanks Yvonne

- Yvonne Rule

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